Construction of new Route 72 bridge to Long Beach Island to begin this spring

A decade in the works, construction of a new, parallel causeway linking Long Beach Island to the mainland in Ocean County is set to start this spring, the state announced today.Star-Ledger file photo

A decade in the works, construction of a new, parallel causeway linking Long Beach Island to the mainland in Ocean County is set to start this spring, the state announced today.

Since it was built in 1958, the Route 72 causeway has been the only way on or off the island. When the new span is built and the rehabilitation of the original bridge is finished in seven years, evacuation and safety concerns should be alleviated, state officials said at a press conference on Long Beach Island today.

“Long Beach Island is an iconic Jersey Shore vacation destination that brings enjoyment to hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors every summer,” said state transportation commissioner Jim Simpson. “Our investment in this project will strengthen the causeway’s critical role as the only coastal evacuation route for Long Beach Island. It will enhance safe and convenient access not just for motorists, but for all users of the roadway.”

The state said it plans to put out for bid the first of four contracts on the $350 million project on Thursday.

Work will start first on building a new bridge just south of the existing span. When that is open to traffic in about 2 ½ years, the original bridge, which has been deemed structurally deficient and structurally obsolete, will be closed for rehabilitation.

Throughout summers, two lanes in each direction will remain open to carry traffic east and west, Simpson said.

View full sizeTwinning of the Route 72 Causeway to Long Beach Island is set to begin this spring.State Department of Transportation

The 54-year-old bridge has cracks in its structural supports, inadequate shoulders and walkways and poor lighting, the state said. When completed, the bridges will have wide shoulders on both sides, a sidewalk protected by a barrier and six parking lots where the bridge touches down on the smaller islands in Manahawkin Bay for motorists to park for activities such as walking, fishing and crabbing.

When the federally-funded project is finished, two lanes on the old bridge will carry traffic west onto the mainland into Stafford and two lanes on the new span will bring traffic east onto the island in Ship Bottom. Three message boards will alert motorists to traffic conditions in the area.

Acting Gov. Kim Guadagno said the project also will repair damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“The Manahawkin Bay Causeway project exemplifies what we are aiming for when it comes to rebuilding in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy – moving quickly to restore what was lost and to do so in a manner that will be stronger, more lasting, and better serve our residents,” she said.